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In Your Bible: Ephesians 3:20,21

Paul reveals an amazing truth after one of his prayers for the Ephesians. The God of all power chooses to work with, through and in believers. We may not even notice it when this happens! God works within the believer to save mankind, to build his Kingdom—all for his glory.

Gently Within Us

In this doxology, we praise him because he chooses to work through us in a gentle manner, guiding believers to accomplish his plans. God combines his Spirit with the believers’ spirit to create wonder-working power. Selah.

Ponder Eugene Peterson’s words in the Message: God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us (Ephesians 3:20 MSG).

Glory to God

At the conclusion of this doxology, come beautiful succinct words: May he [God] be given glory forever and ever through endless ages because of his master plan of salvation for the Church through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 3:21 The Living Bible). Again, much to ponder here! Selah.

What an amazing God we serve. This doxology has a wonderful truism. God works within the believer to save mankind, to build his Kingdom—all for his glory.

Prayer: Father, thank you for gently working in me. My praise for you is continually on my lips.

Peter (as did Jude) reminds believers in the church not to accept false teaching. Then he encourages believers to remain steadfast in the true teaching from the disciples. This letter ends with praise to our almighty God.

Mature in Christ

Peter tells believers, . . . grow [spiritually mature] in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory (honor, majesty, splendor), both now and to the day of eternity. Amen (2 Peter 3:18 AMP).

Profound Doxology

. . . to him [be] glory, both now, and forever; or “to the day of eternity”; that is, to Christ, who is truly God, or otherwise such a doxology would not belong to him, be ascribed the glory of deity, of all divine perfections; the glory of all his offices and work as Mediator; the glory of man’s salvation; and the glory of all that grace, and the growth of it, together with the knowledge of himself, which saints have from him; and that both in this world, and that which is to come. Amen; so be it

Sometimes we look for profound words to worship our Lord, its’ best to just let it flow. This letter Peter writes, rightfully ends with praise to our almighty God.

Prayer: Father, you are full of wonder, amazing deeds, and overflowing in benevolent grace to me. I praise you. Alleluiah.

Jesus left the vicinity of Tyre and Sidon and entered the coast area of Decapolis. There he walked to the mountainside and as he sat down a large crowd gathered around him. Everyone was amazed as Jesus performed many healings. Indeed, his works are spectacular.

Afflictions Healed

People brought to the feet of Jesus the crippled, blind, mute, disabled, and those with many other afflictions. Really to numerous to count! Jesus healed all of them. Yes, [loudly] they praised the God of Israel.

Healing a Deaf Man

A deaf man with a speech impediment begged Jesus to heal him. He was brought to a private place away from the crowd. Jesus put his fingers into the man’s ears, then spat and touched the man’s tongue. Looking up to heaven, he said, in a deep groan, “Ephphatha!” or “Be opened!” (Mark 7:31-34 Eyewitness).

Yes, the man’s ears were opened, his tongue set free, and he spoke clearly. Jesus told the crowd not to tell anyone, but the more he told them not to, the more they spread the news (Mark 7:36 New Living Translation). Again amazed at healing of this man, the crowd praised God, saying, “All his works are spectacular!” (Mark 7:37a Eyewitness).

Prayer: Father, thank you for meeting all my needs. I must admit that often I hardly notice. But WOW, sometimes you do things for me in spectacular ways. Selah.

Questions: Why do you think Jesus specifically healed some in need apart from the pressing crowd? Notice, the Eyewitness uses the word ‘spectacular’ but other versions verses use the bland ‘has done all things well’. How does spectacular impact you in reading this verse?